Technologies for interlocking structures

ABSTRACT

A device includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit comprises a first C-shaped portion, a first bridge portion, and a first U-shaped portion. The first U-shaped portion comprises a first projection extending therefrom. The second unit comprises a second C-shaped portion, a second bridge portion, and a second U-shaped portion. The second U-shaped portion comprises a second projection extending therefrom. The first projection interlocks with the second projection when the first C-shaped portion and the second C-shaped portion are fastened to a plate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, this disclosure relates to mechanics. More particularly, thisdisclosure relates to various technologies for interlocking structures.

BACKGROUND

In this disclosure, where a document, an act, and/or an item ofknowledge is referred to and/or discussed, then such reference and/ordiscussion is not an admission that the document, the act, and/or theitem of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at a priority date,publicly available, known to a public, part of common general knowledge,and/or otherwise constitutes any prior art under any applicablestatutory provisions; and/or is known to be relevant to any attempt tosolve any problem with which this disclosure may be concerned with.Further, nothing is disclaimed.

Signage, whether static or dynamic, is used to present content, whetheroutdoors or indoors. The signage can be mechanic, such as a split-flapdisplay, a flip-disc display, or a roll-sign. Additionally oralternatively, the signage can be electronic, such as an electronic signor an electronic display. Although the content often presented via thesignage is advertising, the signage can be used to present any contentfor any informational purposes, directional purposes, identificationpurposes, or safety/regulatory purposes.

Since the signage can have various purposes, the signage should beproperly installed and maintained. However, some installation techniquesor maintenance techniques are often time consuming or laborious due tosignage structure or location, thereby requiring various usages ofindividual component fitting, fastening schemes, drilling, or others.For example, when a technician needs to selectively fasten/unfastenvarious bolts within a signage cabinet, then the technician typicallyneeds to perform various time consuming and laborious operations, suchas cabinet alignment and module removal/reinstallation.

Accordingly, at least in a signage industry, there is a need to addressat least one of such inefficiencies.

SUMMARY

This disclosure may at least partially address at least one of aboveinefficiencies. However, this disclosure can prove useful to othertechnical areas. Therefore, various claims recited below should not beconstrued as necessarily limited to addressing any of the aboveinefficiencies.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a device comprises: afirst unit comprising a first C-shaped portion, a first bridge portion,and a first U-shaped portion, wherein the first C-shaped portion isfastened to a plate, wherein the first bridge portion spans between thefirst C-shaped portion and the first U-shaped portion, wherein the firstU-shaped portion is defined via a first leg portion, a first baseportion, and a second leg portion, wherein the first leg portioncomprises a first projection distal to the first base portion andextending toward the second leg portion; and a second unit comprising asecond C-shaped portion, a second bridge portion, and a second U-shapedportion, wherein the second C-shaped portion is fastened to the plate,wherein the first bridge portion contacts the second bridge portion,wherein the second bridge portion spans between the second C-shapedportion and the second U-shaped portion, wherein the second U-shapedportion is defined via a third leg portion, a second base portion, and afourth leg portion, wherein the second base portion comprises a secondprojection extending toward the first base portion such that the firstprojection contacts the second projection between the first leg portionand the second leg portion.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a method comprises:accessing a first unit comprising a first C-shaped portion, a firstbridge portion, and a first U-shaped portion, wherein the first bridgeportion spans between the first C-shaped portion and the first U-shapedportion, wherein the first U-shaped portion is defined via a first legportion, a first base portion, and a second leg portion, wherein thefirst leg portion comprises a first projection distal to the first baseportion and extending toward the second leg portion; accessing a secondunit comprising a second C-shaped portion, a second bridge portion, anda second U-shaped portion, wherein the first bridge portion contacts thesecond bridge portion, wherein the second bridge portion spans betweenthe second C-shaped portion and the second U-shaped portion, wherein thesecond U-shaped portion is defined via a third leg portion, a secondbase portion, and a fourth leg portion, wherein the second base portioncomprises a second projection; moving the first U-shaped portion suchthat the second projection is positioned between the first leg portionand the second leg portion without contacting the first projection andsuch that the second projection extends toward the first base portionand such that the second projection is positioned between the first baseportion and the second base portion; moving the first projection towardthe second projection such that the first projection contacts the secondprojection between the first leg portion and the second leg portion andsuch that the second projection is positioned between the first baseportion and the second base portion; and fastening the first C-shapedportion and the second C-shaped portion to a plate such that the firstprojection applies a force onto the second projection, wherein the forceis directed toward the first C-shaped portion.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a system comprises: afirst signage device comprising a first unit comprising a first C-shapedportion, a first bridge portion, and a first U-shaped portion, whereinthe first C-shaped portion is fastened to a plate, wherein the firstbridge portion spans between the first C-shaped portion and the firstU-shaped portion, wherein the first U-shaped portion is defined via afirst leg portion, a first base portion, and a second leg portion,wherein the first leg portion comprises a first projection distal to thefirst base portion and extending toward the second leg portion, whereinthe first unit supports a first signage device; and a second signagedevice comprising a second unit comprising a second C-shaped portion, asecond bridge portion, and a second U-shaped portion, wherein the secondC-shaped portion is fastened to the plate, wherein the first bridgeportion contacts the second bridge portion, wherein the second bridgeportion spans between the second C-shaped portion and the secondU-shaped portion, wherein the second U-shaped portion is defined via athird leg portion, a second base portion, and a fourth leg portion,wherein the second base portion comprises a second projection extendingtoward the first base portion such that the first projection contactsthe second projection between the first leg portion and the second legportion, wherein the second unit is supported via a second signagedevice, wherein the second unit supports the first unit.

This disclosure may be embodied in various forms illustrated in a set ofaccompanying illustrative drawings. Note that variations arecontemplated as being a part of this disclosure, limited only by a scopeof various claims recited below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The set of accompanying illustrative drawings shows various exampleembodiments of this disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed asnecessarily limiting this disclosure. Like numbers and/or similarnumbering scheme can refer to like and/or similar elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a stackingarrangement involving a plurality of signage units joined via aplurality of L-shaped brackets according to this disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of stackedsignage units joined via an L-shaped bracket according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof stacked signage units joined via an L-shaped bracket and fastenablyinterlocked via a pair of protrusions according to this disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a stackingarrangement involving a plurality of signage units joined via aplurality of strut brackets according to this disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of stackedsignage units joined via a strut bracket according to this disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof stacked signage units joined via a strut bracket and fastenablyinterlocked via a pair of protrusions according to this disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a pair ofsignage units before stacking, where one of the signage units comprisesan elongated male protrusion for interlocking according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units before stacking, where the signage units are alignedvia an alignment pin according to this disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of signageunits before stacking, where the signage units are aligned via analignment pin according to this disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view and a partial side view ofan embodiment comprising a pair of signage units before stacking, wherethe signage units are aligned via an alignment pin according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of signageunits before stacking, where the signage units are aligned via analignment pin according to this disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units before stacking, where the signage units are alignedvia an alignment pin according to this disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units stacked before interlocking according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units stacked after interlocking according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units stacked after interlocking according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units stacked after interlocking according to thisdisclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a top interlockingunit according to this disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a bottominterlocking unit according to this disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising an L-shapedbracket according to this disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a strut bracketaccording to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure is now described more fully with reference to the set ofaccompanying illustrative drawings, in which example embodiments of thisdisclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limitedto the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the exampleembodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough andcomplete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to thoseskilled in a relevant art.

Features described with respect to certain example embodiments may becombined and sub-combined in and/or with various other exampleembodiments. Also, different aspects and/or elements of exampleembodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined and sub-combined in asimilar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whetherindividually and/or collectively, may be components of a larger system,wherein other procedures may take precedence over and/or otherwisemodify their application. Additionally, a number of steps may berequired before, after, and/or concurrently with example embodiments, asdisclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, atleast as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via atleast one entity in any manner.

Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full orpartial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, whenan element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, then the element can be directly on, connected orcoupled to the other element and/or intervening elements can be present,including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” toanother element, there are no intervening elements present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from various teachings of this disclosure.

Various terminology used herein is for describing particular exampleembodiments and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thisdisclosure. As used herein, various singular forms “a,” “an” and “the”are intended to include various plural forms as well, unless a contextclearly indicates otherwise. Various terms “comprises,” “includes”and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification,specify a presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of a set ofnatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances.

Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of this disclosure. As such, variations from variousillustrated shapes as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniquesand/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various example embodimentsof this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited tovarious particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other typesof manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes includethree dimensional (30) printing, laser cutting, computer numericalcontrol routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include,whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral,an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid,such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, asemiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinationsthereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/orinclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, opaqueness, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence,anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, anelectronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity,insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, awater-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, canbe rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/orall elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or differentfrom each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurabledimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation,perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and soforth.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Variousterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with a meaning in acontext of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealizedand/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” can be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrativedrawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of illustrated technologies in addition to an orientationdepicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For example,if a device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turnedover, then various elements described as being on a “lower” side ofother elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of otherelements. Similarly, if a device in one of illustrative figures wereturned over, then various elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements would then be oriented “above” other elements. Therefore,various example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both anorientation of above and below.

As used herein, a term “about” and/or “substantially” refers to a +/−10%variation from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always includedin any given value/term provided herein, whether or not such variationis specifically referred thereto.

If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and suchdisclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with this disclosure, thento an extent of a conflict, if any, and/or a broader disclosure, and/orbroader definition of terms, this disclosure controls. If suchdisclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with one another, then toan extent of a conflict, if any, a later-dated disclosure controls.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a stackingarrangement involving a plurality of signage units joined via aplurality of L-shaped brackets according to this disclosure. A stackingarrangement 100 comprises a plurality of signage units 102, whetherconfigured for an outdoors or an indoors use, in whole or in part. Thesignage units 102 can be mechanic or electronic, in anypermutation/combinatory manner, in whole or in part. For example, atleast one of the signage units 102 can comprise at least one of asplit-flap display, a flip-disc display, or a roll-sign. Additionally oralternatively, at least one of the signage units 102 can comprise atleast one of an electronic sign or an electronic display, in whole or inpart. The signage units 102 can output, whether statically ordynamically, such as via a visual presentation, any content for anyinformational purposes, directional purposes, identification purposes,identification purposes, or safety/regulatory purposes, in whole or inpart. For example, at least one of the signage units 102 can display anadvertising content outdoors. Also, note that although the stackingarrangement 100 depicts stacking of the signage units 102 along avertical plane, in other embodiments, the signage units 102 can bepositioned along a horizontal plane adjacent to each other. Yet in otherembodiments, the signage units 102 can be positioned along a diagonalplane adjacent to each other.

Each of the signage units 102 includes a cabinet 104 and a door 106,which may be at a back side of at least one of the signage units 102,where a front side of at least one of the signage units 102 comprises asignage. In some embodiments, at least one of the signage units 102lacks the door 106. The cabinet 104 can comprise at least one of aplastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or any other material. The cabinet104 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit, or an assembly ofpieces, such as via any coupling method, including at least one offastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others. The cabinet104 contains an interior space, which may host a cable, a cable harness,a controller, a power supply, or other signage accessories. The door 106controls access to the interior space. The door 106 can comprise atleast one of a plastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or any othermaterial. The door 106 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit,or an assembly of pieces, such as via any coupling method, including atleast one of fastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others.The cabinet 104 and the door 106 can be coupled via any coupling method,including at least one of fastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, orany others.

The cabinet 104 includes a longitudinal portion 108 to which an L-shapedbracket 110 is fastened. For example, the L-shaped bracket 110 can beused to support or suspend a device, which may have a weight between 0kilograms and 1,000 kilograms, such as 400 kilograms or 700 kilograms.Also, for example, the L-shaped bracket 110 can be used to couple to adevice, such as via fastening, interlocking, mating, adhering, orothers. The L-shaped bracket 110 can comprise at least one of a plastic,a metal, a wood, a rubber, or any other material. The L-shaped bracket110 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit, or an assembly ofpieces, such as via any coupling method, including at least one offastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of stackedsignage units joined via an L-shaped bracket according to thisdisclosure. The cabinets 104 are stacked and are secured via theL-shaped bracket 110, which is defined via a first plate 112 and asecond plate 114. The first plate 112 is perpendicularly coupled to thesecond plate 114. For example, the L-shaped bracket 110 can comprise asingle piece of steel that is bent into an L-shape. However, note thatnon-perpendicular orientation is possible, whether acute or obtuse.Also, note that the L-shaped bracket 110 can be a plurality of platescoupled together, such as the first plate 112 and the second plate 114.

The L-shaped bracket 110 is fastened to the cabinets 104 via a pluralityof bolts 116 and a plurality of nuts 118. The bolts 116 extend throughthe first plate 112 into the cabinet 104. The nuts 118 are fastened ontothe bolts 116, such as via threading. At least one of the bolts 116 cancomprise at least one of a plastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or anyother material. At least one of the bolts 116 can be unitary, such as asingle continuous unit, or an assembly of pieces, such as via anycoupling method, including at least one of fastening, adhering,interlocking, mating, or any others. At least one of the nuts 118 cancomprise at least one of a plastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or anyother material. At least one of the nuts 118 can be unitary, such as asingle continuous unit, or an assembly of pieces, such as via anycoupling method, including at least one of fastening, adhering,interlocking, mating, or any others.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof stacked signage units joined via an L-shaped bracket and fastenablyinterlocked via a pair of protrusions according to this disclosure. Thecabinets 104 are stacked in a secure manner via a first unit 122 and asecond unit 150 engaging each other, while the bolts 116 exert a forcevia the L-shaped bracket 110 in a direction away from cabinets 104 alonga horizontal plane. As shown, the cabinets 104 contain an upper cabinet104 and a lower cabinet 104. Resultantly, the first unit 122 supportsthe upper cabinet 104 and the second unit 150 is positioned on the lowercabinet 104, while the first unit 122 is supported via the second unit150. Note that at least the upper cabinet 104 hosts a divider panel 172for various signage operational purposes, such as for attaching a powersupply or routing a wire or a cable.

The first unit 122 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit, oran assembly of pieces, such as via any coupling method, including atleast one of fastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others.In some embodiments, the first unit 122 is unitary with the uppercabinet 104, such as the upper cabinet 104 comprising a bottom sidestructured according to the first unit 122, such as via extrusion. Thefirst unit 122 can comprise at least one of a plastic, a metal, a wood,a rubber, or any other material. For example, the first unit 122 cancomprise stainless steel. The first unit 122 can be solid or perforated,in whole or in part, such as any portion thereof. The first unit 122comprises a first C-shaped portion 124, a first bridge portion 130, anda first U-shaped portion 132. The first bridge portion 130 spans betweenthe first C-shaped portion 124 and the first U-shaped portion 132.Although the first bridge portion 130 is rectilinear, in otherembodiments, the first bridge portion 130 is non-rectilinear, such asarcuate, whether concave or convex, sinusoidal, zigzag, or any otherextension, along any dimension, such as a length, a width, or a height.

The second unit 150 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit, oran assembly of pieces, such as via any coupling method, including atleast one of fastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others.In some embodiments, the second unit 150 is unitary with the lowercabinet 104, such as the lower cabinet 104 comprising an upper sidestructured according to the second unit 150, such as via extrusion. Thesecond unit 150 can comprise at least one of a plastic, a metal, a wood,a rubber, or any other material. For example, the second unit 150 cancomprise stainless steel. Note that the first unit 122 and the secondunit 150 can be identical to or different from each other in structure,shape, size, material, or any other measureable property. The secondunit 150 can be solid or perforated, in whole or in part, such as anyportion thereof. The second unit 150 comprises a second C-shaped portion152, a second bridge portion 156, and a second U-shaped portion 158. Thefirst C-shaped portion 124 opposes the second C-shaped portion 152 alonga vertical plane. The second bridge portion 156 spans between the secondC-shaped portion 152 and the second U-shaped portion 158. Although thesecond bridge portion 156 is rectilinear, in other embodiments, thesecond bridge portion 156 is non-rectilinear, such as arcuate, whetherconcave or convex, sinusoidal, zigzag, or any other extension, along anydimension, such as length, width, or height. The first bridge portion130 is immediately adjacent to or contacts the second bridge portion156.

Each of the first C-shaped portion 124 and the second C-shaped portion152 hosts a bolt carrier 120 through which the bolts 116 extend beforeengaging the L-shaped bracket 110. For example, at least one of thebolts 116 comprises a head and a stem, where the stem extends from thehead through the bolt carrier 120 and the L-shaped bracket, while thehead engages the bolt carrier 120. Resultantly, shaped portion 124 andthe second C-shaped portion 152 are fastened to the L-shape bracket 110,such as via the first plate 112. The bolt carrier 120 can be unitary,such as a single continuous unit, or an assembly of pieces, such as viaany coupling method, including at least one of fastening, adhering,interlocking, mating, or any others. The bolt carrier 120 can compriseat least one of a plastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or any othermaterial. Note that the bolt carrier 120 can slide into a respectiveC-shaped portion 124, 152 together with a respective bolt 116. In someembodiments, at least one bolt carrier 120 is absent.

The first unit 122 and the second unit 150 contain a first protrusion126 and a second protrusion 154, respectively. At least one of the firstprotrusion 126 or the second protrusion 154 can be used as a rail, suchas for sliding a device thereon, in whole or in part. Alternatively oradditionally, at least one of the first protrusion 126 or the secondprotrusion 154 can be used to engage, support, limit vertical travel, orsuspend a device, which may have a weight between 0 kilograms and 1,000kilograms, such as 400 kilograms or 700 kilograms. In some embodiments,at least one of the first protrusion 126 or the second protrusion 154 isabsent.

Each of the first unit 122 and the second unit 150 contains a first wallportion 128 and a second wall portion 155, respectively. The first wallportion 128 and the second wall portion 155 are used to stand-off thefirst C-shaped portion 124 and the second C-shaped portion 152 from thefirst bridge portion 130 and the second bridge portion 156,respectively. In some embodiments, at least one of first wall portion128 or a second wall portion 155 is absent. For example, at least one ofthe first C-shaped portion 124 or the second C-shaped portion 152directly contacts at least one of the first bridge portion 130 or thesecond bridge portion 156, respectively.

The first U-shaped portion 132 is defined via a first leg portion 134, afirst base portion 140, and a second leg portion 142. The first legportion 134 comprises a first projection 144 distal to the first baseportion 140 and extending toward the second leg portion 142. Althoughthe first projection 144 has a trapezoid/triangular side profile, inother embodiments, the first projection 144 has a different sideprofile, such as rectangular, cuboid, oval, circular, trapezoid,triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, concave, convex, or any otherpolygon or shape with at least one side, whether open or closed-shape,including an alphanumeric shape of at least a Latin alphabet, such asL-shaped. The first leg portion 144 also includes a tail portion 146extending therefrom. The tail portion 146 provides support to the uppercabinet 102. Although the tail portion 146 is distal to the first baseportion 140, in some embodiments, the tail portion 146 is medial orproximal to the first base portion 140.

The first unit 122 contains a third protrusion 136 extending from thefirst U-shaped portion 132. The third protrusion 136 can be used as arail, such as for sliding a device thereon, in whole or in part.Alternatively or additionally, the third protrusion 136 can be used toengage, support, limit vertical travel, or suspend a device, which mayhave a weight between 0 kilograms and 1,000 kilograms, such as 400kilograms or 700 kilograms. For example, the first protrusion 126 andthe third protrusion 136 can operate in concert to engage, support, orsuspend the device. In some embodiments, the third protrusion 136 isabsent.

The first unit 122 contains a fourth protrusion 138 extending from thefirst U-shaped portion 132. The fourth protrusion 138 can operate as aledge or a wall internally supporting the upper cabinet 104. In someembodiments, the fourth protrusion 138 can engage with the upper cabinet104, such as via coupling therewith, for instance via fastening,adhering, mating, interlocking, magnetizing, or other couplingtechniques.

The second U-shaped portion 158 is defined via a third leg portion 160,a second base portion 166, and a fourth leg portion 168. The second baseportion 166 comprises a second projection 170, such as a tab, extendingtoward the first base portion 140 such that the first projection 144contacts the second projection 170 between the first leg portion 134 andthe second leg portion 142 and such that the second projection 170 isbetween the first base portion 140 and the second base portion 166. Forexample, the first projection 144 functions as a female portion and thesecond projection 170 functions as a male portion, wherein the firstprojection 144 engages and thereby complimentarily mates with the secondprojection 170, such as for secure interlocking. Although the secondprojection 170 has a non-rectilinear, curved side profile, in otherembodiments, the first projection 144 has a different side profile, suchas rectilinear, rectangular, cuboid, oval, circular, trapezoid,triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, concave, convex, or any otherpolygon or shape with at least one side, whether open or closed-shape,including an alphanumeric shape of at least a Latin alphabet, such asL-shaped. The fourth leg portion 168 includes a tail portion 169extending therefrom. The tail portion 169 provides contacts the tailportion 146 and engages to the lower cabinet 102. Although the tailportion 169 is distal to the second base portion 166, in someembodiments, the tail portion 169 is medial or proximal to the secondbase portion 166. Note that first leg portion 134 is aligned with thethird leg portion 160 along a vertical plane, while the second legportion 142 is aligned with the fourth leg portion 168 along thevertical plane. However, note that in other embodiments, at least one ofsuch alignments may be absent.

The second unit 150 contains a fifth protrusion 162 extending from thesecond U-shaped portion 158. The fifth protrusion 162 can be used as arail, such as for sliding a device thereon, in whole or in part.Alternatively or additionally, the fifth protrusion 162 can be used toengage, support, limit vertical travel, or suspend a device, which mayhave a weight between 0 kilograms and 1,000 kilograms, such as 400kilograms or 700 kilograms. For example, the second protrusion 154 andthe fifth protrusion 162 can operate in concert to engage, support, orsuspend the device. In some embodiments, the fifth protrusion 162 isabsent.

The second unit 150 contains a sixth protrusion 164 extending from thesecond U-shaped portion 158. The sixth protrusion 164 can operate as aledge or a wall internally supporting the lower cabinet 104. In someembodiments, the sixth protrusion 138 can engage with the lower cabinet104, such as via coupling therewith, for instance via fastening,adhering, mating, interlocking, magnetizing, or other couplingtechniques.

In some embodiments, the first C-shaped portion 124 and the secondC-shaped portion 152 may be in a proximity to a back side of the signageunit 102, which may also host the L-shaped bracket 110. Likewise, thefirst U-shaped portion 132 and the second U-shaped portion 158 may be ina proximity to a front side of the signage unit 102. Therefore, anadvantage of such structure may be due to a proximity of an area wherethe first U-shaped portion 132 engages the second U-shaped portion 158and the front side of the signage unit 102. For example, if such area isin a proximity to the front side of the signage unit 102, then suchpositioning may effectively reduce or minimize a visible section linein-between the signage units 102 when at least one of the signage units102 is illuminated. Similarly, an advantage of such structure may bethat minimum or no additional pieces/parts may be needed to interlockthe signage units 102 beyond the L-shaped bracket 110.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a stackingarrangement involving a plurality of signage units joined via aplurality of strut brackets according to this disclosure. FIG. 5 shows aside view of an embodiment comprising a pair of stacked signage unitsjoined via a strut bracket according to this disclosure. FIG. 6 shows across-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pair of stackedsignage units joined via a strut bracket and fastenably interlocked viaa pair of protrusions according to this disclosure. Unlike the stackingarrangement 100, a stacking arrangement 200 contains the cabinet 104,which includes the longitudinal portion 108 to which a strut bracket202, such as a beam clamp, is fastened. For example, the strut bracket202 can be used to support or suspend a device, which may have a weightbetween 0 kilograms and 1,000 kilograms, such as 400 kilograms or 700kilograms. Also, for example, the strut bracket 202 can be used tocouple to a device, such as via fastening, interlocking, mating,adhering, or others. The strut bracket 202 can comprise at least one ofa plastic, a metal, a wood, a rubber, or any other material. The strutbracket 202 can be unitary, such as a single continuous unit, or anassembly of pieces, such as via any coupling method, including at leastone of fastening, adhering, interlocking, mating, or any others.

The strut bracket 202 is defined via a first portion 208, a secondportion 210, and a third portion 214. The first portion 208 is O-shaped,but other shapes are possible. The second portion 210 is C-shaped, butother shapes are possible. The strut bracket 202 is fastened to thecabinets 104 via the bolts 116 and the nuts 118. The bolts 116 extendthrough the first portion 208 into the cabinet 104. The nuts 118 arefastened onto the bolts 116, such as via threading. The strut bracket202 can host a plurality of bolt carriers 204, as described above, aplurality of bolts 206, as described above, and a plurality of nuts 212,as described above, where the nuts 212 are fastened onto the bolts 206.Note that the third portion 214 facilitates hosting of the bolts 206,such as via enabling a proper bolt alignment.

In some embodiments, the first C-shaped portion 124 and the secondC-shaped portion 152 may be in a proximity to a back side of the signageunit 102, which may also host the strut bracket 202. Likewise, the firstU-shaped portion 132 and the second U-shaped portion 158 may be in aproximity to a front side of the signage unit 102. Therefore, anadvantage of such structure may be due to a proximity of an area wherethe first U-shaped portion 132 engages the second U-shaped portion 158and the front side of the signage unit 102. For example, if such area isin a proximity to the front side of the signage unit 102, then suchpositioning may effectively reduce or minimize a visible section linein-between the signage units 102 when at least one of the signage units102 is illuminated. Similarly, an advantage of such structure may bethat minimum or no additional pieces/parts may be needed to interlockthe signage units 102 beyond the strut bracket 202.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising a pair ofsignage units before stacking, where one of the signage units comprisesan elongated male protrusion for interlocking according to thisdisclosure. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodimentcomprising a pair of signage units before stacking, where the signageunits are aligned via an alignment pin according to this disclosure.Note that the cabinets 104 are not stacked and the second projection 170is visible, i.e., a male portion. Additionally, note that the firstprotrusion 144, i.e., a female portion, longitudinally extends parallelto the second protrusion 170. Further, note that the second projection170 longitudinally extends parallel to the longitudinal portion 108, yeton opposing side of the cabinet 104. However, note that in otherembodiments, the second projection 170 longitudinally extendsnon-parallel to the longitudinal portion 108, such as in an arcuatemanner.

The first bridge portion 130 defines an opening therein. The opening isoval, but can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, cuboid,pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, cam (a pear, a heart, or a drop), orany other shape.

An alignment pin 174 extends through the opening of the first bridgeportion 130. The alignment pin 174 comprises an upper part, a middlepart, and a lower part, with the middle part being medical to the upperpart and the lower part. The upper part is tapered, such as for ease ofinsertion into the opening of the first bridge portion 130, for instancevia a crane. The upper part can be conical. The middle part iscylindrical. The middle part comprises a sidewall, which defines ascrewdriver opening for internal access into the middle part. Note thatthe opening of the first bridge portion 130 sizably accommodates for themiddle part. The lower part is also cylindrical, yet diametricallysmaller than the middle part. However, diametrical deviations arepossible, whether equivalent or larger. The alignment pin 174 can beremovable or threaded.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of signageunits before stacking, where the signage units are aligned via analignment pin according to this disclosure. FIG. 10 shows a partialcross-sectional view and a partial side view of an embodiment comprisinga pair of signage units before stacking, where the signage units arealigned via an alignment pin according to this disclosure. FIG. 11 showsa side view of an embodiment comprising a pair of signage units beforestacking, where the signage units are aligned via an alignment pinaccording to this disclosure. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment comprising a pair of signage units before stacking, where thesignage units are aligned via an alignment pin according to thisdisclosure. Note that the alignment pin 174 extends through the openingof the first bridge portion 130, yet the first projection 144 and thesecond projection 170 are offset along a vertical plane. Likewise, notethat the first wall portion 128 is not aligned with the lower cabinet104, i.e., the first wall portion 128 is offset with the lower cabinet104 along a vertical plane. Moreover, note that the upper cabinet 104 israised over the lower cabinet 104, such as via a crane, with the uppercabinet 104 comprising the first unit 122 integrated or unitarytherewith.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment comprising a pairof signage units stacked before interlocking according to thisdisclosure. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodimentcomprising a pair of signage units stacked after interlocking accordingto this disclosure. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment comprising a pair of signage units stacked after interlockingaccording to this disclosure. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment comprising a pair of signage units stacked after interlockingaccording to this disclosure. The first U-shaped portion 124 is movedsuch that the second projection 170 is positioned between the first legportion 134 and the second leg portion 142 without contacting the firstprojection 144 and such that the second projection 170 extends towardthe first base portion 140 and such that the second projection 170 ispositioned between the first base portion 140 and the second baseportion 166. Note how the tail portion 146 and the tail portion 169 arenot aligned along a vertical plane. Likewise, note that since the firstwall portion 128 is not aligned with the lower cabinet 104, i.e., thefirst wall portion 128 is offset with the lower cabinet 104 along avertical plane, a gap 176 exists.

As the upper cabinet 104 is supported via the lower cabinet 104, whilethe gap 176 exists and the first projection 144 is not in contact withthe second projection 170, the upper cabinet 104 or the first unit 122or the lower cabinet 104 or the second unit 150 is operated in such away that the first projection 144 is moved toward the second projection170 such that the first projection 144 contacts the second projection170 between the first leg portion 134 and the second leg portion 142 andsuch that the second projection 170 is positioned between the first baseportion 140 and the second base portion 166. Note that such movement isenabled via the opening of the first bridge portion 130 being shaped toallow for such movement, such as laterally, for instance via the openingof the first bridge portion 130 being oval or cam shaped, while thelower part of the alignment pin 174 being sized for such movement, suchas via having a diameter smaller than the middle part. Consequently,since the first projection 144 is the female portion and the secondprojection 170 is the female portion, the first projection 144 and thesecond projection 170 mate and thereby securely interlock or engage witheach other. Therefore, when the nuts 118 are fastened to the bolts 116,as the bolts 116 extend through the L-shaped bracket 110 or the strutbracket 202, as disclosed herein, and as the bolts 116 engage the boltcarriers 120 within the first C-shaped portion 124 and the secondC-shaped portion 152, respectively, then such fastening applies orexerts a force in a direction away from the second projection 170. Thisforce enables a secure interlocking of the upper cabinet 104 to thelower cabinet 104, or vice versa.

Note that in some embodiments as the upper cabinet 104 is supported viathe lower cabinet 104, while the gap 176 exists and the first projection144 is not in contact with the second projection 170, the upper cabinet104 or the first unit 122 or the lower cabinet 104 or the second unit150 is operated in such a way that the second projection 170 is movedtoward the first projection 144 such that the first projection 144contacts the second projection 170 between the first leg portion 134 andthe second leg portion 142 and such that the second projection 170 ispositioned between the first base portion 140 and the second baseportion 166. Further, note that although the first bridge portion 130 orthe first projection 144 is laterally moved in a frictional or aslidable manner with respect to the lower cabinet 104, such as via thesecond unit 150, in some embodiments, the first bridge portion 130 orthe first projection 144 can be moved in a non-frictional or anon-slidable manner, such as when a gap along a vertical plane exists,for instance between the lower cabinet 104 and at least one of the firstbridge portion 130 or the first projection 144. For example, such gapcan be less than 2 centimeters in height measured along a verticalplane. Also, after the lower cabinet 104 and the upper cabinet 104 aresecurely interlocked via the first unit 122 and the second unit 150, thealignment pin 174 can be removed such that the alignment pin 174 doesnot extend at least through the first bridge portion 130. Moreover, notethat although various interlocking methods disclosed herein aredescribed in a context of vertical stacking, in some embodiments,various interlocking methods disclosed herein can be employed in acabinet positioning along a horizontal plane, such as adjacent to eachother, or even along a diagonal plane, such as via outward cornerportions.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a top interlockingunit according to this disclosure. The first unit 122 comprises thefirst C-shaped portion 124, the first bridge portion 130, and the firstU-shaped portion 132. The first bridge portion 130 spans between thefirst C-shaped portion 124 and the first U-shaped portion 132. The firstunit 122 contains the first protrusion 126. The first unit 122 containsthe first wall portion 128. The first wall portion 128 stands-off thefirst C-shaped portion 124 from the first bridge portion 130. The firstU-shaped portion 132 is defined via the first leg portion 134, the firstbase portion 140, and the second leg portion 142. The first leg portion134 comprises the first projection 144 distal to the first base portion140 and extending toward the second leg portion 142. The first legportion 144 also includes the tail portion 146 extending therefrom. Thefirst unit 122 contains the third protrusion 136 extending from thefirst U-shaped portion 132. The first unit 122 contains the fourthprotrusion 138 extending from the first U-shaped portion 132.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a bottominterlocking unit according to this disclosure. The second unit 150comprises the second C-shaped portion 152, the second bridge portion156, and the second U-shaped portion 158. The second bridge portion 156spans between the second C-shaped portion 152 and the second U-shapedportion 158. The second unit 150 contains the first protrusion 154. Thesecond unit 150 contains the second wall portion 155. The second wallportion 155 stands-off the second C-shaped portion 152 from the secondbridge portion 156. The second U-shaped portion 158 is defined via thethird leg portion 160, the second base portion 166, and the fourth legportion 168. The second base portion 166 comprises the second projection170. The fourth leg portion 168 includes the tail portion 169 extendingtherefrom. The second unit 150 contains the fifth protrusion 162extending from the second U-shaped portion 158. The second unit 150contains the sixth protrusion 164 extending from the second U-shapedportion 158.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising an L-shapedbracket according to this disclosure. The L-shaped bracket 110 isdefined via the first plate 112 and the second plate 114. The firstplate 112 is perpendicularly coupled to the second plate 114. Forexample, the L-shaped bracket 110 can comprise a single piece of steelthat is bent into an L-shape. However, note that non-perpendicularorientation is possible, whether acute or obtuse. Also, note that theL-shaped bracket 110 can be a plurality of plates coupled together, suchas the first plate 112 and the second plate 114. In some embodiments, atleast one of a J-shaped, a T-shaped, an N-shaped, a P-shaped, or aV-shaped bracket is used additional or alternative to the L-shapedbracket 110.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of an embodiment comprising a strut bracketaccording to this disclosure. The strut bracket 202, such as a beamclamp, is defined via a first portion 208, a second portion 210, and athird portion 214. The first portion 208 is O-shaped, but other shapesare possible. The second portion 210 is C-shaped, but other shapes arepossible.

Although various interlocking concepts of this disclosure are describedin context of signage, the interlocking concepts of this disclosure canbe applied to other industries, such as photovoltaic panels, speakers,construction, vehicles, plumbing, heating-ventilation-air conditioning(HVAC), sporting equipment, or others, including any components thereof

In some embodiments, various functions or acts can take place at a givenlocation and/or in connection with the operation of one or moreapparatuses or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a givenfunction or act can be performed at a first device or location, and aremainder of the function or act can be performed at one or moreadditional devices or locations.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The diagrams depicted herein are illustrative. There can be manyvariations to the diagram or the steps (or operations) described thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For instance, thesteps can be performed in a differing order or steps can be added,deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part ofthe disclosure. It will be understood that those skilled in the art,both now and in the future, can make various improvements andenhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

The description of this disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustiveand/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations in techniques and structures will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from ascope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the claims thatfollow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplatedas being a part of this disclosure. A scope of this disclosure isdefined by various claims, which include known equivalents andunforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a first unit comprising afirst C-shaped portion, a first bridge portion, and a first U-shapedportion, wherein the first C-shaped portion is fastened to a plate,wherein the first bridge portion spans between the first C-shapedportion and the first U-shaped portion, wherein the first U-shapedportion is defined via a first leg portion, a first base portion, and asecond leg portion, wherein the first leg portion comprises a firstprojection distal to the first base portion and extending toward thesecond leg portion; and a second unit comprising a second C-shapedportion, a second bridge portion, and a second U-shaped portion, whereinthe second C-shaped portion is fastened to the plate, wherein the firstbridge portion contacts the second bridge portion, wherein the secondbridge portion spans between the second C-shaped portion and the secondU-shaped portion, wherein the second U-shaped portion is defined via athird leg portion, a second base portion, and a fourth leg portion,wherein the second base portion comprises a second projection extendingtoward the first base portion such that the first projection contactsthe second projection between the first leg portion and the second legportion.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second unit is supportedvia a second signage cabinet, wherein the first unit supports a firstsignage cabinet, wherein the second unit supports the first unit.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the plate is included in an L-shaped bracket.4. The device of claim 1, wherein the plate is included in a strutbracket.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first leg portion isaligned with the third leg portion.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe first C-shaped portion opposes the second C-shaped portion.
 7. Amethod comprising: accessing a first unit comprising a first C-shapedportion, a first bridge portion, and a first U-shaped portion, whereinthe first bridge portion spans between the first C-shaped portion andthe first U-shaped portion, wherein the first U-shaped portion isdefined via a first leg portion, a first base portion, and a second legportion, wherein the first leg portion comprises a first projectiondistal to the first base portion and extending toward the second legportion; accessing a second unit comprising a second C-shaped portion, asecond bridge portion, and a second U-shaped portion, wherein the firstbridge portion contacts the second bridge portion, wherein the secondbridge portion spans between the second C-shaped portion and the secondU-shaped portion, wherein the second U-shaped portion is defined via athird leg portion, a second base portion, and a fourth leg portion,wherein the second base portion comprises a second projection; movingthe first U-shaped portion such that the second projection is positionedbetween the first leg portion and the second leg portion withoutcontacting the first projection and such that the second projectionextends toward the first base portion and such that the secondprojection is positioned between the first base portion and the secondbase portion; moving the first projection toward the second projectionsuch that the first projection contacts the second projection betweenthe first leg portion and the second leg portion and such that thesecond projection is positioned between the first base portion and thesecond base portion; and fastening the first C-shaped portion and thesecond C-shaped portion to a plate such that the first projectionapplies a force onto the second projection, wherein the force isdirected toward the first C-shaped portion.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the second unit is supported via a second signage cabinet,wherein the first unit supports a first signage cabinet, wherein thesecond unit supports the first unit.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereinthe plate is included in an L-shaped bracket.
 10. The method of claim 7,wherein the plate is included in a strut bracket.
 11. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the first leg portion is aligned with the third legportion based on the fastening.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein thefirst C-shaped portion opposes the second C-shaped portion when fastenedto the plate.
 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: extendingan alignment pin through the first bridge portion, wherein the moving ofthe first U-shaped portion and the moving of the first projection isduring the extending.
 14. The method of claim 14, wherein the alignmentpin comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the firstportion is diametrically greater than the second portion, wherein themoving of the first U-shaped portion and the moving of the firstprojection is when the second portion extends through the first bridgeportion.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: removing thealignment pin such that the alignment pin does not extend through thefirst bridge portion.
 16. The method of claim 7, further comprising:sliding a fastener into a fastener carrier, wherein the fastening isbased on the sliding, wherein the fastener carrier is coupled with atleast one of the first C-shaped portion and the second C-shaped portion.17. A system comprising: a first signage device comprising a first unitcomprising a first C-shaped portion, a first bridge portion, and a firstU-shaped portion, wherein the first C-shaped portion is fastened to aplate, wherein the first bridge portion spans between the first C-shapedportion and the first U-shaped portion, wherein the first U-shapedportion is defined via a first leg portion, a first base portion, and asecond leg portion, wherein the first leg portion comprises a firstprojection distal to the. first base portion and extending toward thesecond leg portion, wherein the first unit supports a first signagedevice; and a second signage device comprising a second unit comprisinga second C-shaped portion, a second bridge portion, and a secondU-shaped portion, wherein the second C-shaped portion is fastened to theplate, wherein the first bridge portion contacts the second bridgeportion, wherein the second bridge portion spans between the secondC-shaped portion and the second U-shaped portion, wherein the secondU-shaped portion is defined via a third leg portion, a second baseportion, and a fourth leg portion, wherein the second base portioncomprises a second projection extending toward the first base portionsuch that the first projection contacts the second projection betweenthe first leg portion and the second leg portion, wherein the secondunit is supported via a second signage device, wherein the second unitsupports the first unit.
 18. The system of claim 18, wherein the plateis included in at least one of an L-shaped bracket or a strut bracket.19. The system of claim 18, wherein at least one of: the first legportion is aligned with the third leg portion, or the first C-shapedportion opposes the second C-shaped portion.